The Cycling School: so much more than just cycling skills

In 2011, The Cycling School organised its first cycling classes for adults who have never learned to ride a bike or who have forgotten cycling over the years. The main purpose of these lessons is, of course, to teach participants how to cycle. They master all the basic skills: from keeping balance, steering, shifting and braking to reacting to other road users.

But cycling, and De Fietsschool, is about more than just cycling skills. To turn non-cyclists into everyday cyclists, we not only teach participants cycling skills, but actively highlight the many benefits of cycling.

All we have to do to do this is refer back to the warm reactions and reviews of previous participants in cycling classes.

Cycling is not just another mode of transport. Cycling is super flexible. Unlike the car, you don't need a driving licence or petrol for it. Unlike the bus or train, you don't need a season ticket or timetable for it. Traffic jams, delays or strikes? Cyclists are not affected by those. In short, cycling is freedom. And the participants of De Fietsschool notice this too.

Those who can cycle no longer depend on others for travel. With a bicycle, people get to work by themselves. With a bicycle, fathers and mothers can take their children to school or sports club by themselves. All they need is a bicycle and the strength of their own bodies to pedal themselves forward. Also, the pride people experience when they master a new skill cannot be underestimated. In short, the bicycle gives people independence and self-esteem.

There are few places in the world where cycling is as popular as in Flanders. We have a real cycling culture. Newcomers who want to build a new life here also notice this. Learning to cycle is important to them, if only because everyone does it. Belonging is what it's all about. For female newcomers, cycling is also emancipating, as they could not cycle in their country of origin due to religious restrictions or cultural customs. Moreover, during De Fietsschool's classes, instructors and volunteers speak Dutch. The classes thus offer non-native participants a great opportunity to practice their language skills.

Remarkable: former participants often become real cycling ambassadors, convincing friends, acquaintances and family members to learn to cycle as well.

Sport and exercise are healthy. We all know that. But finding time for sport and exercise is not always easy. By cycling, you kill two birds with one stone: you move yourself because you want to get from A to B, and you do sport and exercise at the same time. Many participants find the sporting aspect of cycling so pleasant that they jump on their bikes for a ride just for fun.